When Sunja is born, it is predicted that “she will thrive.” As we learn in the new trailer for Apple TV+’s adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s 2017 novel “Pachinko,” “a family will endure” through Sunja, a young Korean woman who migrates to Japan prior to WWII and eventually becomes the matriarch of an intergenerational, international clan.
As in the book, the series “Pachinko” hinges on a fateful connection between the adolescent Sunja (newcomer Minha Kim) and Koh Hansu (Lee Min-ho, “Boys Over Flowers”). It’s a moment she reflects upon throughout her life. “Have you ever thought about it? What your life would be like, if you chose differently?” Sunja is asked when she is an elderly woman (“Minari” Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-Jung).
The series adaptation of “Pachinko” is created, written, showrun, and executive produced by Soo Hugh (“The Terror”). The story is depicted in Korean, Japanese, and English.
Hugh recently launched the Thousand Miles Project, an incubator supporting Asian Pacific stories that’s accepting applications through March 31. Her TV writing and producing credits include “The Terror,” “See,” and “Under the Dome.” Among the projects on her slate are writing the new “Flight of the Navigators” for Disney and producing an Amazon pic penned by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage.
Last year, Youn took home Oscar for her supporting turn in “Minari,” becoming the the second Asian actress to win an Oscar, and the first since 1957. The veteran actress’ other credits include “Sense8” and “The Bacchus Lady.”
“Pachinko” premieres March 25 on Apple TV+.